Motorhome Dwellers in Palma, Mallorca, Face New Challenges and Protests

In the heart of the Balearic Islands, Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is witnessing a significant surge in motorhome registrations, coupled with a looming crackdown on overnight parking in public areas. This development has sparked a heated debate among motorhome owners, local residents, and authorities.

Rising Motorhome Numbers

According to the Spanish Association for the Caravanning Industry and Commerce, registrations of new motorhomes in the Balearic Islands increased by 36% last year. This rise is particularly notable in Palma, where the city is grappling with the implications of this growing trend.

New Civic Ordinance

Palma's city mayor, Jaime Martinez, has announced a new civic ordinance that bans overnight stays for motorhomes in public areas. Martinez emphasized that "caravans cannot become a housing solution or an uncontrolled tourism model." This move is set to impose hefty fines of up to €1,500 for those violating the new rules.

Protests and Reactions

The impending law has triggered strong reactions from motorhome owners. A group of motorhome dwellers has planned a demonstration against the new regulations, arguing that they are being unfairly criminalized. "They are criminalising us for no reason and the only thing we want are adequate spaces to park and coexist in harmony with the city," stated a representative from one of the motorhome groups.

On February 8, around 200 motorhomes and camper vans participated in a 'slow march' through the center of Palma to protest against the town hall's regulations. However, not all motorhome owners are aligned with this protest. Representatives of 'residential' vehicle owners, who use their motorhomes as a necessity due to the lack of affordable housing, have distanced themselves from the demonstration.

Housing Crisis and Residential Use

Javier Gonzalez, representing owners at the Son Guells settlement, highlighted that the real issue is housing. "Our use is not recreational, it is residential. We are forced to live here because there are no affordable properties," he explained. The University of the Balearic Islands conducted a study at the end of 2024, revealing that out of 150 motorhomes on Mallorca, around 83 were used for residential purposes.

Impact on Local Communities

The situation is not unique to Palma; other parts of Spain are also experiencing similar issues. In Alicante, for example, campervan tourists from various European countries have been parking illegally in public areas, causing frustration among local residents due to the lack of proper waste disposal and disregard for parking regulations.

Call for Designated Areas

Local residents and some motorhome owners are advocating for the establishment of designated areas where motorhomes can park legally and coexist with the community. This solution could mitigate the current tensions and provide a more sustainable and regulated environment for both residents and tourists.

As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a balance between the needs of motorhome dwellers and the concerns of local communities will be crucial in resolving this issue. The city of Palma must navigate the complexities of housing shortages, tourism management, and community harmony to ensure that all stakeholders can coexist peacefully.